The Noodle

I JUST bought this car and I have zero records. No idea when the belt was replaced. Im not "cash enriched" so I dont want to spend the $$$ right now if I dont have to. So Im trying to figure out when the belt was replaced. Anyone have any nifty tips as to how I find out?

fsttyms1

No real way of knowing without the service records. You can pull the upper cover off and look at the belt and see if it looks newer or if its showing signs of age, but its not accurate. My belt didnt look that bad at 200k (but my 200k was done in about 5 years, age is more a killer than miles on the rubber belts) If you are unsure change it. If you do any DIYing do it yourself.

01tl4tl

look for wear marks on the bolts for power steering pump- it gets moved during the service.
and tool marks on timing covers bolts

its due at 105 so maybe it was done once before,,,but chances of it being done again right before you got it???
`with no records` makes me think auction or used car dealer sale? not purchased from the owner to ask questions of

01tl4tl

look inside radiator for coolant color and condition--give you a hint if the water pump was replaced (done with the timing belt) and new coolant was installed then

you cant test coolant protection and get an idea of its age that way

totaledTL

Is it a local car? Why not go to the dealer w/ the VIN & ask them to pull any records on file? If it was done there they should have it on file. It's worth a try.